Registered Professional Engineer since 1981 (State of Florida).

Worked in medical device manufacturing engineering for 15 years for Cordis Corporation and Baxter International.

Worked in medical product development for 15 years for Cordis Corporation, Theratek International, Symbiosis Corporation, and Boston Scientific in the fields of neurosurgery, cardiac pacers and leads, radiographic and angiographic catheters and accessories, angioplasty devices, stents, atherectomy (rotary and ultrasonic), trocar ports, laparoscopic surgical instruments, fluid-management systems, access and biopsy needles, arthroscopic instruments, endo-robotic surgery systems, flexible and endoscopic instruments.

Worked for 5 years in the field of hybrid rocket propulsion, including development, testing, and launch operations for scientific sounding rockets and military tactical rockets. Performed research and development activities for NASA, DARPA, and the US Air Force Propulsion Laboratory and participated in an industry consortium for the demonstration and development of hybrid-propulsion launch boosters.

Holds 53 issued United States patents and many international patents in the field of medical devices. Several patent applications are pending in the fields of medical devices, wiremaking technology, and rocket propulsion systems (some under DOD secrecy order).

Founder of Theratek International, Inc.—a joint venture of Cordis Corporation and Kensey-Nash Corporation to develop a rotary atherectomy system.

Founder of Cross Products Engineering, Inc.—an independent consultancy in the area of manufacturing and medical device technology

Founder of Symbiosis Corporation—the world’s leading manufacturer of flexible biopsy forceps and laparoscopic surgical instruments (sold to American Home Products in 1992 and subsequently acquired by Boston Scientific Corporation).

Founder of Environmental Aeroscience Corporation—developers and manufacturers of hybrid rocket motors for consumer, scientific, and military applications (holds the world record for hybrid-rocket launch altitude).
Founder of General Science and Technology Corporation—developed intellectual property in the field of wiremaking for mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and medical applications.
Founder of Syntheon LLC
Other interests and activities include watchmaking, astronomy, and raising three boys.

Patents Issued to Tom Bales